Magenta Research founder to retire, new president announced

NEW MILFORD, Conn. — Magenta Research announced that its founder and CEO, Keith Mortensen, will be retiring from the company effective May 8, 2009.

In the 11 years since it’s founding, Magenta has grown from a small, self-funded startup, to an industry leader with tens of millions in annual revenue and a comprehensive lineup of AV extension, distribution and switching products.

“It is with mixed emotions that I leave,” said Mortensen. “While it has been my privilege to work with the talented and driven people that enabled Magenta to get where it is today, I excitedly look forward to exploring new opportunities and challenges.”

Bob Michaels, who joined the company in early 2008, will take over as president. Michaels has a strong international background with more than 20 years of experience at the helm of advanced technology companies.

“I hand picked Bob 18 months ago specifically for this purpose,” Mortensen said. “He has been effectively running the day to day operations since coming on board and I am thrilled to pass on the reins of the company to an individual whose strong focus on technology gain and expansion into international markets will ensure Magenta’s continued leadership in the industry.”

“Each individual here at Magenta has great appreciation for everything Keith accomplished, both professionally and personally,” Michaels said. “His vision and leadership enabled Magenta and its employees to thrive during his tenure. Having made significant strides in our development programs over the past year; we will use InfoComm 2009 as a platform to introduce a number of new products that address a wide range of applications for switching and distribution of AV in the digital domain.”